In pictures: Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed lays foundation stone

Meydan One will cover more than 30,000 sq m of indoor and outdoor space

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Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has officially launched the groundbreaking of the new Meydan One Mall development. (Image: sheikhmohammed.ae)

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(Image: sheikhmohammed.ae)

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During an evening ceremony attended by VIP guests and regional and international retailers, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed led the delegation at the development site and broke the first ground for construction. (Image: sheikhmohammed.ae)

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(Image: sheikhmohammed.ae)

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The centre point of the much anticipated Meydan One mega development, the Meydan One Mall will be like none before. With 620 retail shops including two major department stores and a 131,150 square foot\nhypermarket, its smart technology and features including a retractable skylight will redefine shopping, leisure and entertainment destinations. (Image: sheikhmohammed.ae)

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(Image: sheikhmohammed.ae)

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The Mall will also feature more than 100 food and beverage outlets, a 21-screen cinema with a food court hosting an additional 20 outlets, as well as a 400m Central Canyon flanked by a collection of flagship luxury\nstores. It will be serviced by car parking facilities with more than 12,000 spaces. (Image: sheikhmohammed.ae)

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High-end luxury brands will have a specially designated shopping strip at the 1,315 foot long Central Canyon, directly accessible from the road. With extra-large displays for highlighting haute couture trends of the season, the strip will be the most sought after place to shop. (Image: sheikhmohammed.ae)

The unique retractable skylight, measured 160 metres by 100 metres, will set Meydan One Mall apart from other retail destinations, offering al fresco dining and shopping to the thousands of visitors. (Image: sheikhmohammed.ae)

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Outdoor sports options will include football pitches, mountain biking, walking and running trails, a skateboard park and a BMX park. (Image: sheikhmohammed.ae)